Vietnam win match against Thailand

Tran Minh Sen’s only goal helped the Vietnam U21 team beat Thailand 1-0 in a friendly match yesterday at Chi Lang Stadium in Da Nang City.

The goal went to the host team at the 74th minute of the match thanks to a blunder by the Thai substitute goalkeeper.

Striker Nguyen Tang Tuan, who was the top scorer of the National U21 Football Championship, made a perfect pass to Sen, who dashed to the empty net ahead of Thai defenders.

Sen received a bonus of US$200 for scoring the opening goal of the match.

The best players from the U21 tournament were selected to play only two days before the match.

Nevertheless, the hosts dominated for most of the game against a stronger Thailand (who qualified for the final round of the Asian Youth Football Championship in India later this month).

Their first chance came at the fifth minute from time, when Tuan threatened Thai keeper Chatchai Bootprom, who was sidelined later with an injury.

The Vietnamese forward made a straight shot to the Thai net on a one-on-one with the keeper, but it was not strong enough to make it past the goalkeeper.

Thailand didn’t start to react until the 34th minute of the first half when defender Chainarong Tatong volleyed a ball coming from the left wing near the net, but lost it to keeper Hoang Cong Vuong.

Taking advantage of better form, Thailand continued to play with a quickened pace in the second half, but couldn’t bury any shots in to the host’s net.

VNS